Facsimile telegraph system and apparatus



Jan. 8, 1946. R. J. WISE ET AL FACSIMILE TELEGRAPH SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Oct. 5,-1942 4 Sheefs-Shet INVENTORS R.J.WISE

G.H. RIDINGS ATT RNEY Jan. 8, 1946. R. J. WISE ET AL FACSIMILE TELEGRAPH SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Fi led n 5, 1942 4 Sheet s 2 FIG, 2

Face. 8

INVENTORS Rd WIS 6.1-1. RIDI N65 lo -Q R. J. WISE ETAL FACSIMILE' TELEGRAPH SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Jan. 8, 1946.

4 Sheets-Sfieet s I Filed Oct. 3, 1942 INVENTORS R. J. WISE c. H. RI 0| N65 AT EY MESSAGE I08 TRANSMITTED Assam-Elf IO7\MBEISNAGGE FIG. 6

Jn. s, 1946. R. J. WISE ET AL 2,392,442

FACSIMILE TELEGRAPH SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Filed Oct. 3, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 .23 AMP. 2

AMP.

RERUN ACCEPT I a 20! INVENTORS 296 R. J.WISE 301 7 BY G.H.RIDINGS 28 6 I 'r o NEY Patented Jan. 8, 194 6 FACSIL II LE TELEGRAPH SYSTEM AND APPARATUS Raleigh J. Wise, Dunellen, and Garviee H.

. Ridings,

Summit, N.

J., assignors to The Western Union Telegraph Company, New York, 1 N. Y., a corporation of'New York Application October 3, 1942, Serial No. 460,602

14 Claims.

The present invention relates to automatic telegraph systems and more particularly to a novel facsimile telegraph system for automati-' one or more message sheets in any desired order,

' following which the subject matter appearing on these sheets will be transmitted automatically to an attended or unattended recorder. A plurality of unattended automatic recorders may be connected to a communication circuit terminating in the automatic transmitter of this invention, facsimile communication with a desired recorder being obtained by a selective process by adapting to the system of this invention the arrangement disclosed and claimed in a copending application of G. H. Riding's et al., Serial No. 445,690, filed June 4, 1942. An automatic transmitter embodying the special features of this invention may be operated by an inexperienced person.

An object of the present invention is to provide for automatic transmission from an automatic facsimile transmitter of a plurality of messages each inscribed on a separate message sheet.

Another object of the present invention is to supply message sheets automatically to a transmitting or recording scanner of a facsimile (ma chine without any necessity for joining the sheets to each other or mounting them on a copyholder or separate copyholders or other support.

Still another object of the invention is to provide for the automatic transmission of a plurality of messages from a facsimile transmitter by the act of placing the message sheet or sheets bearing the messages in one or more receptacle associated with the transmitter.

A further object of the present inventionis to provide in a novel manner for controlling an interconnected facsimile transmitter and facsimile recorder whereby substantially automatic and, if desired, continuous operation is obtained.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the .art and are accomplished by the present. invention, one embodiment of which is. illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a view in rear elevation of a receptacle or chute for receiving a. message sheet;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view in elevation of the chute of Fig. 1 as viewed from the front;

Fig. 3 is a top view partly shown in section;

Fig. 4 is a view in elevation of the chute-of Fig. 1 as seen from the right hand side thereof;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section on line 55 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram showing one circuit arrangement for the transmitter embodying the features of this invention;

Fig. 7 is a wiring diagram showing one circuit arrangement for controlling and operating the recorder; and

Fig. 8 shows a recording blank for use in the recorder of Fig. 7. i

The system of this invention comprises a transmitting station employing a transmitter III (Fig. 6), a communication circuit L composed of line conductors LI and L2, and a receiving station. employing a recorder M, the essential mechani-- cal parts and electrical wiring of which are shown by Fig. 7. The transmitter I0, in the illustrative embodiment of the system, is similar to the selfloading transmitter disclosed in Patent No. 2,262,715, granted to R. J. Wise et al., on November 11, 1941, andis provided with a special multiple chute arrangement [6 (Fig. 6) comprising a plurality of chutes H, the details of which are shown in Figs, 1 to 5 of the drawings. A rotary stepping switch l8, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 6, is controlled jointly by the mechanism of the chute arrangement 16 and the recorder 14 for automatically transmitting messages deposited in any one or all of the chutes ll, The recorder l4 may be similar to the recorder disclosed in the copending application of R. J. Wise et a1. Serial No. 389,164, filed April 18, 1941. The

structural features and. circuit details of the recorder not disclosed at the present time by an issued patent are illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings and will be described hereinafter for the sake of completeness of this disclosure.

The conductors Li and L2 of the communication circuit L are used simultaneously for the transmission of alternating current facsimile signals or message impulses and, also, the direct cur. rent control signals which control operation of the transmitting and recording apparatus, The facsimile signals originate in the transmitter at the photoelectric cell i9 (Fig. 6) which is connected to an amplifier 2|, the output circuit of which is connected through a pair of blocking condensers 22 to the conductor LI and L2. The purpose of the blocking condensers is to isolate the alternating current facsimile signals from scan a message thereon.

switch- 48.

the direct current control signals. At the receiving station the line conductors are connected to a signal inverter 23 and an amplifier 2d, The output of the amplifier 24 is supplied, as shown, to the insulated recording stylus 26.

The polarity of the direct current potentials which are applied to the conductor L2 is con.- trolled by apparatus at the receiving station for the purpose of operatin a polar relay 2? connected to this conductor at the transmitting station. Similarly, the polarity of the direct current potentials, which are applied to the conductor LI, is controlled by the apparatusat the transmitting station for the purpose of operating a polar relay 28 forming a part of the control apparatus associated with the recorder. -Each of these polar relays is of the three-position type whereby the tongue is moved to one extreme con= tact in response to one polarity of potential, to the other extreme contact in response to the opposite polarity of potential, and to a mid-position disengaged from both of the extreme contacts when direct current signaling potential is disconnected.

The transmitter ill is located in a suitable box or housing, similar to that shown in the abovementioned patent, adapted to be mounted on any suitable support such, for example, as a wall or pedestal. The several chutes ill of the chute assembly it extend to a point adjacent a message scanning cylinder 39, the supporting shaft 3! of whichis adapted to be driven by suitable gearing (not shown) by a synchronous or other speed-controlled motor 32. The scanning cylinder, the motor and the remaining parts of the transmitter mentioned hereinafter are diagrammatically shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The photocell I9, its exciter lamp 33 and the assoelated optical mechanism are mounted on a scan- 'ning carriage 34, whichis movable longitudinally of the rotary cylinder 30 on a guide rail 35 to A light chopper 36 driven by a motor 31 forms a part of the scanning mechanism. The scanning carriage 3d is-moved longitudinally of the cylinder 30, in the usual manner, by a rotary feed screw 38 driven by the motor 32 and adapted to be connected to the "at is provided with amechanism operated jointly by an operating lever '51 and an electromagnet 58 is shown. The cm circumferential series of sheet holding teeth A! similar to the sheet holding teeth of the recorder shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings and in the issued patent referred to above. message sheet 43 fed downwardly through any one of the chutes ll of the chute assembly It and cause it to be wrapped in position around the cylinder at. It will be understood, however, that as to require being inserted in the chute in the way necessary toinsure its being properly positioned on the cylinder forcorr'ect transmission of the message subject matter. When the sheet 43 is on the cylinder, it closes the contactsoi' a When no .message sheet is on the cylinder. the operating arm 49 for the switch 48 These teeth engage a is accommodated bye groove at in the cylinder 3!];

The previously mentioned chute assembly it by the teeth 42 and wrapped a'roundthe cylinder 30. It will be understood that any number of chutes ll may be employed, and where it is deemed desirable the sheet receiving ends there of, indicated by the reference character 56, may,

belocated at points of different elevation above the scanning cylinder 30, This will permit increasing the number of chutes where gravity feed is relied upon to cause delivery of a message sheet to the scanning cylinder 38. Referring now to Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings for a'complete description of one of the chutes H, a chute blocking and message sheet releasing and propelling crating leverfil is pivoted at 6i to a suitable bracket 62 secured to the body portion of the chute. The sheet receiving end 58 of the chute is arranged to be blocked to prevent insertion of a mesage sheet'd3 by a pin/member 6% carried by a flexible spring member 66 secured at 6? to the front wall 65 of the chute. The free end 68 of this spring member is bent, as indicated at 69, so that, when the lever 57 is in the solid line position of Fig. 1, the pin 5 3 is withdrawn from aligned apertures 12 in the front and rear walls 65 and M, respectively, of the chute to permit insertion of amessage sheet 53. p

In the dotted line position of the lever 51! the end 68 of the spring 66 moves inwardly until the portion 69 thereof is free of the lever, there-' by causin the pin 64 to be inserted in the aligned assembly It when the machine is idle, as will more fully appear from the following description. A stop 15 determines the dotted line position of the lever 51. When a message sheet $3 is to be inserted in one of the chutes ll, its lever 51 is moved from the dotted line position on Fig. 1 to its full line position, whereupon all of the parts associated pwith the lever and to be described assume their full line positions, as shown. An elongated member 16 issecured to the lever member 51 at or adjacent the pivot point at and is formed at its and 1! as shown so that it will be caught and retained in position by the end it of a reciprocable detent member it secured to the core M of the eleotromagnet 5B. A spring ill tends to maintain the arm 16 in its dotted line position. The spring 82 biases the detent member 19 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, so that the end H of the member'lfi willbelatched in the position shown. An adjustable stop 83 secured on the detent member i=9 by screws or similar-fastening means 84 abuts a pair of guide rollers 86 for the detent to limit movementof the member facing oifset members 82 and t3, secured to thearound the cylinder.

- .reer'wa'li it of the chu The member 9! carries I a pair of. spaced rollers 96 which lie on eachside ol the swing'able member 16 so' that, as the lever i isrocked, for example, from the dotted line position of'Fig. 1 to its solid line position, the member 9| together with the finger 881s raised to the solid line position. The sheet engaging end 96o! the finger so is withdrawn from a slot 91 in' the wall 14 by a lateral cam projection 38' which is positioned'to cooperate with a projection 99 or a projection. IIii raised from the wall 14. The lower end of the lever 57 is provided with a chute closin projection I03 which projects over ..the open? end 89 of the chute to retain a message 1 sheet 43 in the chute until the detent member I6 assays posltionatthe left 01 Fig. 7 by'a carriage return spring I32.. I I t The scanning cylinder 9 is provided with sheetholding teeth I33 similarto the sheet holding teeth- 42 of the transmitter of Fig. 6. The I teeth I33 engage a recording blank/ I38 which is automatically fed into position fro a1 supply roll I36 to cause it to be wrapped aro d the cylinder 8.. The circumference of the rec rding cylinder H9 and the length of a recording blank I38 are preferably such with respect to each other that, whena blank is wrapped around a cylinder for scanning, its edges overlap slightly to aflord a is withdrawn from latching engagement with the and W of' the member i6 upon energization oi the 'eiectromagnet 56. While the novel feed chute I! smoother path for the stylus and to keep it from contact with the cylinder. Each blank has a notched corner I39 (Fig. 8) formed insuch a way -'that, when the blank is on the cylinder, the notch of this invention is'disclosed as being employed,-

in a transmitter along, with several others to make up an automaticall operated group I6, it will be understood that a single chute II, or a group of these chutes, may be employed with any scanner,

having a sheet mounting means, for transmitting or receiving. Details of the operation of the provides-an open space between the edges of the blank at one end. This space permits the stripping finger I42 extending upwardl from the armature I43 of a. magnet I44 to be inserted through the open space and under a blank for the purposeof stripping it from the cylinder. The blanks upon which a mess ee has been recorded and mechanism of the chute il will'be described hereinaiter in connection with the explanation of the operationof the entire system. p a

- When a message sheet on the cylinder. is to r be removed, it is stripped from the cylinder by a -stripper blade 064 formed on or by the armature ofa stripper magnet I06. The dimensions of the cylinder, the sheet preferably falls into a bin'or the like (notshown) where it remains until collected by an authorized person having-access to the bin through a locked closure or the like.

A pair oi'openinlgs or windows may be provided in their'ont of the transmitter enclosure having signs mi and 563 for giving. information illumination of. which is controlled by electrical circuits tobede'slcribed hereinafter. a 4

The scanning carriage ill of the recorder 04, the head screw M8, the copyholding cylinder I I9 and the'parts associated therewith are ormay be similar tocorresponding parts of the transmitter of Fig. 6. If desired ,these parts may follow the mechanical design of similar parts shown in the patent noted above. The supporting shaft "I2I oi the recording cylinder H9 is adaptedto'be driven through suitablegearing (not: shown) by a motor 922, so that the transmitter and recorder which are removed by the stripper finger may be deposited in a chute or other receptacle or may I be discharged upon .a moving conveyor belt of any desired type. The chute or receptacle, it provided', may have a locked closure so that only an authorized person may -have accessto. the recorded messages. v

. When'a message blank I38 is in position on the 4' cylinder II9 it closes the contacts ot a switch I46. When no message blank is on the cylinder the operating arm I48 for the switch I46 is pressed into a groove 149 in the cylinder by a torsion spring I50. "'The'switch 48 of the transmitter and Y the switch I46 of the. recorder may be, identical,

' concerning transmission oi a message'to'the opcreator of the transmitter I 0. The signs, indi- .cated diagrammatically in Fig. 6, are illuminated at appropriate times by lamps III and I2, the

as shown.

The blank supply roll I36 is formed of individual- I blanks I38 supported preferably in overlapping relationship, as shown at l5I in Fig. 7, on an elongated belt I52 of any suitable material, the end of the belt being secured to a mandrel I53. The

ends of the mandrel I53 are rotatably supported in suitable bearings secured to any desired stationary portion of the machine; The belt I52 passes over anidler roller: I54 to a belt take-up reel I56, which is driven byany suitable mechanism such, for example, as' themotor I51, opera- I tively connected to it through gearing I58. As

I indicated. in Fig. 7, unwinding of the belt I52 and the blanks I38 releases the la'tterone at a time,

l phasingor ,framing position is definitely deter:

cylinder suriacestravel 'at the same speed. The

stylus 26, stylus insulating and mounting-means Md and the styius operating magnet 826' are.

mounted on-the' scanning carriage which is movable on guide rails 28 longitudinally of the cyl- 'inder M9. The scanning carriage is moved longitudihaliy in the mechanical arrangement shown by the rotary feed screw H8 which is driven through suitable means (not shown) by the motor I its-and the half-nut 929 when a half-nut magnet I i230 is energized. At the end of a scanning operation the half-nut is disengaged from the feed screw and the carriage returned to its' original permitting them to drop into positionto be delivered to the recording cylinder II9 under control or a phasing or framing impulse or. othersignal supplied to a phasing magnet I59.' 'I'he mined by stops in theform of ledges I62 at the -lower ends of stationary fingers. I63. A' blank I38, whichIis inthe position shown in Fig. 7, with its lower edge resting on the ledges I62. 01'. I

the stop fingers I63 is delivered to'the rotating recording vcylinder H9 'at the desired moment by a pusher mechanism which is illustrated as being composed 'of a grooved roller I64 rotatably supported on one end of a frame-I66 connected to the projecting "end. of the core of the phasing magnet l59..' The grooved roller is biased by a tension spring i68away. from the recording cylinder H9. The grooves .in the roller accommo-- date the fingers I63. It will be understood that. the frame 166 may be elongated to carry several spaced grooved rollers where it is deemed desirable and that a corresponding number of fingers 7 channels.

may be placed opposite each roller along the lower edge of a blank in phasing position. Also, itwill be understood that guiding means are preferably to be provided to assist in maintaining the blank in position on the fingers I 63. This means may conveniently take the form of a pair of side When the phasing magnet I59 is energized, in this instance through the medium of a phasing pulse received from the transmitter, the grooved roller or rollers I64 are projected against the adjacent edge of the blank I38, forcing it against the teeth I33 of the rotating cylinder, which pierces the blank and draws it onto the cylinder.

As soon as a blank I38 is removed from the ledges I62 of the stop fingers I63 and is delivered to the recording cylinder upon occurrence of a framing pulse, the take-up reel I56 is operated, drawing the belt I52 off the supply reel I 36 until the next blank is deposited on the stop finger ledges. This servesto stop further operation of he take-up reel in a manner now to be described.

The mechanism for controlling the operation of the take-up reel I56 through its motor I51 is shown in Fig. '7 as comprising a photocell I13 positioned behind an aperture I14 formed in the housing for the parts of the scanning carriage II 1. A lamp I16 for exciting the photocell i's mounted opposite the photocell so that light directed fromthe lamp is cut off from'the cell by the presence of a blank on the stop fingers I63. This serves to open the circuit of the take-up reel motor I51, as hereinafter described, and discontinues the feeding of another blank until the proper time.

The operation of the mechanical features of the recorder will now be described. Assuming a blank I38 to be in feeding position on the ledges I62 of the stop fingers I63, upon receipt of a framing impulse the magnet I59 is energized, causing the roller I64 to be projected toward the rotating cylinder II9, pressing the lower edge of the blank into engagement with the cylinder II9, the teeth I33 of which penetrate the blank and cause it to be Wrapped around the cylinder with its edges overlapping except at the bevel screw II8 is ro'tated from the motor I22 to produce the necessary scanning movement of the carriage and stylus longitudinally of the rotating cylinder. Incoming facsimile signals cause the stylus to record the incoming messages on the blank in position on the scanning cylinder;

When the scanning operation is completed, the

: from the cylinder.

In the description,'immediately following, of the operation of the system it 'is assumed that tne equipment shown-by Figs. 6 and '7 of the drawings is idle and, that the bus bars A and B at the transmitting and receiving apparatus are connected to a source of power. The equipment is shown as being wired for use ofalternating the average rectified value.

' relay I86.

tion of the relay I93.

current on these bus bars, but it will be under, stood that, where it is more convenient or eco-,= nomical or both, direct current may be used. Cathode heating current is preferably maintained in the filament circuits of the tubes in the amplifiers so that the equipment will be ready to function automatically at any time.

Someone at the transmitter, desiring to send. one or morev messages to the recorder It, after having first inscribed each message to be sent upon a suitable blank forthat purpose, .will

proceed in the following manner. Referring to Fig. 6 of the drawings, a. condition is shown wherein two messages have been-prepared and are to be sent.. In this instance the levers 57, marked I and 2, of the chutes I? of the chute assembly I6 are shown as having been moved to'the left or, as viewed in Fig. 1, to the right so that the levers are latched in this position by means of the end 18 of the detent I9 engaging the member 16. Switches I18 associated with the levers I and 2 are closed by a switch operating in 119 (,Fig. 1) on each member 16. Lever 51, marked 3 in Fig. 6, is in its normal position,

and itsassociated switch I18 is, therefore, open.

When any one of the levers 51 is moved to close its corresponding switch I18, which in this case may be either the lever marked I or that one marked 2, the transmitter I8 is conditioned for operation by energizing a relay I8I, which in turn energizes a power control relay I62 at the make contact I83 of the former and a break contact I84 of a rela I86 which is deenergizedat this'time. The relay I82 is locked by its make contact I88 and the break contact I84 of the The closure of a make contact I89 of the relay I82 connects the A bus bar of the alternating current source to a secondary bus bar which is labeled A. Connected between the bus -bar.A' and they bus bar B are the exciter lamp 33, the motor 32 for driving the scanning cylinder 36 .and the feed screw for advancing the carriage, and also the motor 31 for driving the light chopper disc 36. A rectifier I9! for providing direct current signaling potentials also is connected to the alternating. current source. The exciter lamp 33 being energized, an unmodulated carrier of maximum amplitude is generated by the'refiection of the light from the cylinder 38 and is transmitted over the conductors of the communication circuit L to be employed at the receiving station. I

At the recorder this carrier current, suitably amplified by an amplifier I92, causes operation of a relay I93, since the amplifier I92 by reason of its connection to the line conductors passes all of the facsimile signals to control the opera- The amplifier I92 is or may be of the type well-known in the art which rectifies the carrier current and filters or smooths The input circuit of a vacuum tube I96 is energized through a make contact I94 of this relay to cause plate current,

to fiow in the plate circuit thereof, thereby energizing a relay I91 connected in series with the output circuit of the tube. The'closure of a make contact I98 of this relay connects the bus bar A to a conductor I99, which energizesthe motor I22 for driving the recording cylinder H9 and the carriage feed screw II8. 7

One terminal of the primarywlnding 206 of a transformer 2'III is connected to the'conductor I99 by way of a break contact 262 of a. relay 203, the other terminal being connected to the agseaasa bus bar B. The lamp I18 is connected to the secondary winding 200 of the transformer EDI and, therefore, is energized.

If it be assumed that the recorder is in a condition such that there is no recordingblank in position to be placed upon the cylinder, then the light from the lamp I18 falls upon the photocell I13, thereby energizing the input circuit of a vacuum tube 208. Connected in the output circuit of this tube is a rela 209 whichthus be.- comes energized to close its make contact 2M, thereby connecting one terminal of the blank feed motor I51 to the conductor I99. The other terminal of this motor is connected to the bus bar B. Operation of the blank feed motor conveys one .of the recording blanks I38 from the supply roll I36 into a poistion to be mounted upon the recording cylinder H9, in which position light from the lamp I18 falling upon the photocell I13 is interrupted. The vacuum tube 208 thereby releases the relay 209, stopping the motor I51. Upon release of the relay 209, positive direct current potential is connected through a break contact. 2 of the relay 209; through a I break contact 2I8 ofa relay 2I8, and through a make contact 2I9 of the relay I91, to the line conductor L2. Normally, a blank I38 will be in position on the stop fingers I82, and therefore direct current potential will at once be connected to. the conductor L2 inasmuch as the source of signaling potential 220, which may be a pair'of rectifiers, as shown, ispreferably energized from the conductor I99 and the bus bar B.-

At the transmitting station the armature of the relay 21 connected to the conductor. L2 in response to the positive signaling potentlaljis moved to its contact M, thereby connecting" the bus barQA to one of the contacts of a switch 22l and a switch 222. Both of these switches are periodically and alternately operated by a cam 223, shown as being-mounted uponan extension of the lead screw shaft 38.

It will be understood that any rotary part of the transmitter may be used to drive this cam,- which is preferably driven at a relatively slow speed. Repeated closureoi the switch 222 periodically en- .ergizes the stepping magnet 224. or the rotary switch I8.

The switch I8 is shown as being of a more or less conventional type, provided with a switch arm 226 secured upon a rotatable shaft 221 upon which is fastened a toothed ratchet' wheel 228.

A stepping pawl 229 steps the ratchet wheel through an angular distance equal to the spacing,

of the teeth for each revolution of the shaft 38 and each consequent energization of the stepping magnet 224. A spring 230 returns the pawl 229 I to a position against a stop 232 in readiness to engage the next succeeding tooth. The switch arm 228 is arranged to sweep over a series of contact studs, three in number in the present example, marked I, 2 and 3 to correspond with the release magnets 58 for the blank receiving chutes I1,also marked I-, 2 and 3. A fourth contact stud, designated by reference character 234, isa return or release stud, the function of which will be ex- A stop 'and stop arm 235 check the return movement of the arm 228 under the tension of a spring 23I and define the of! .or

' position of the switch I8.

plained later.

The next succeeding closure of the switch 22I after the switch arm 228 makes contact with the stud marked I completes a'circuit through the No. 1 release magnet 58 from the bus bar A; tongue and contact M of the relay 21, the break magnet 58 trips the lever 51, thereby projectin the message sheet contained in the chute toward theteeth 42 on the cylinder 30 or permittingit to fall by gravity into a position such that it is wrapped in position on the cylinder. When this occurs, the contacts of the switch 48 ar closed I to energize the relay 231 and thereby to inter-g rupt the operating circuit of the stepping magnet 22 4 and the circuit of the unlocking magnet 58;...

at a break contact 240. Interruptionoi the stepping magnet operating circuit, causes the arm 228 to remain on the No. lstu'd.

bar A to one terminal of the half-nut magnet 4'I, through the contact M of the relay 21 and a make contact 24I of the relay 231. The other terminal of the half-nut magnet is connected to screw, thereby imparting scanning motion to the Energization of the relay 231 connects the bus carriage 34 containing the scanning apparatus.

The lamp III is connected in parallel with the the bus bar B. The half-nut engages the feed I winding of the half-nut magnet, which becomes I illuminated to illuminate the Message being transmitted sign I01. The closure of a make.

contact 242 controlled by the half-nut magnet 4I' nnects the positive terminal of the rectifier I9 I- to the line LI through a break contact 243 of-a 248 or a relay 241, tothe line conductor LL:

At the recorder the armature of the polar relay,

The winding 28 engages its contact marked M. of. the relay-203 is thereby connected between the to operate its contacts. A make contact 249 of this relay is connected to shunt the break contact 2I4 or the relay 209for a purpose to be more fully described, hereinafter. Even though the 5 break contact 202 of the relay 203 is opened, the transformer 20I is maintained energized through a circuit extending through the make contact252 relay 244, the make contact 242, break contact bus bars A and B, and consequently is energized of this relay 203 and a break contact 253 01a relay 254.

On the next succeeding revolution of the trans mitter cylinder 30, following energization of the half-nut magnet 4|, a black spot 256 is scanned signal havlnga to generate a carrier current minimum amplitude. The reception of this signal at 55 the recorder extends from the positive terminal of the source of direct current 220 through a break contact 258 of a relay 259, the winding of relay 254, break contact 251 of the relay I93, and the make contact v2I5I of the relay 203 to ground. The closure of a make contact 263 of the relay 254 locks it-so that, upon the reoperation of relay -I93 in response to carrier current signals having amplitudes greater than the minimum. amplitude; the relay 254 is maintained energized independently of the relay I93,

0 7 the transformer 20! and extinguishes'thelight I16 temporarily. The closure of a make contact 284 of relay 254 completes a circuit from the di-' rect current source 220 through the winding-of the phasing magnet I59. This magnet actuates.

The break contact 253 of relay 254 deenergizes momentarily deenergizesthe relay I93, permitting the closure of a break contact 251. A circuit is negative biasing potential. I84 is closed, this condenser is charged to a the roller m which forces the blank us into a position where it is gripped by the teeth I33 of the charge on the condenser begins to dissipate.

the recording cylinder H8 and is thus wrapped contact 258 deenergizes the relay 254, butconnected in parallel with the winding of this relay is a condenser 285 having suflicient capacity to delay the-release of the contacts of this relay until the'recording blank is completely mounted upon the recording cylinder. The relay tongue associated with the break contact 258 of the relay 258 prepares a circuit via a make contact 288 which will. at a later step in the operation being described, cause operation of a relay 281 when the relay 283 is deenergized. After the blank mounting operation has been completed, the contacts of the relay 254 are released, thereby de-. energizing the phasing magnet I59. The closure of the break contact 253 of the relay 254 again energizes the transformer I and operates the light I18 to excite the photoelectric cell I13 and thereby initiate the operation of the blank feeding motor I51 to convey another blank into position to-be transferred to the recordingcylinder when required. Th opening of the break contact 2 of relay 209 in response to this operation opens one circuit from the source of positive potential. However, this potential is not disconthrough a leak resistor 218 and, after the lapse jof a predetermined time, the potential of the grid of the tube becomes sufliciently negative with respect to its cathode that the plate current is reduced to a value which is insuflicient to maintain the relay I91 operated. However, the values of the condenser 288 and the leak resistor 218 are chosen so that the plate circuit of the tube I88 draws suificient current during the normal operation of recording that the relay I91 remains operated.

At the transmitter, when the carriage 34 containing the scanning apparatus has advanced to the end of its movement. a normally open switch 2" operated by the carriage 34 is closed, thereby closing a circuit from the bus bar B through the winding of the relay 244, and a, normally closed carriage operated switch 212 to the bus bar A.

nected from the line conductor L2 by reason of.

the shunt path provided through the make contact 248 of relay 283.

The operationof the relay 288 in response to mounting of th recording blank upon the 7 cylinder II9 completes a circuit from the'conductor I99 through a make contact 289 of this relay, through the windings of the half-nut magrecording blank for the reproduction of the sub- ,iect matter being scanned at the transmitter. These signals also are applied to the rela I93,

which will vibrate as theamplitude of the signals varies between maximum and minimum values, but the closure of the break contact 2511' of this relay is ineffective to operate the relay 254, since'the operating circuit of this relay is open at the break contact-258 of relay 259. The opening and closing of the contact I94 of relay I83 alternately energizes and deenergizes the I input circuit of the vacuum tube I88, but this circuit is provided with means for delaying the deenergization thereof during the interval of time that the contact I94 is open. This is accomplished by providing-a condenser 288 connected between the grid of the tube. and a source of potential whereby the input circuit of the tube is energized. As soon as the contact I94 i ope e When the contact The relay 244 is thus energized and locked .at its make contact 213 and opens its break contact 243 to thereby disconnect positive potential from the line conductor LI,

At the recorder, disconnection of positive potential from conductor LI disengages the armature of polar relay 28 from its right hand contact M and thereby opens the operating circuit for relay 283. The release of this relay closes a circuit from positive potential, through the make contact 288 of relay 258, the winding of relay 281, and a break contact 214 of relay 283 to ground. The operation of the relay 281 closes acircuit through a make contact 218 to connect the winding of the blank stripping magnet I44.

28I of a key switch 282, a break contact 283 of relay 284, to the bus bar B. Relay 2I8 is thus "net I3I and the stylus magnet I28 to the bus bar EB. The stylus 28 is thus moved into recording operated and looked through its make contact 288. Positive potential is removed from the conductor L2 at the break contact 2I8 of the relay 2I8. A light 281 is connected in parallel with this relay and is also energized to signal the attendant that a message has been received.

Itwill be noted that the operating circuit of the stripping magnet I44 includes the make contact 218 of the relay 281 which, at the time that the relay 259 is released by the opening of switch I48 controlled by the recording sheet, is deenergized by the opening of make contact 288 of relay 258. However, it is provided with a condenser 288 connected in parallel with its winding, which delays the release of its contacts until after the sheet has been completely removed from the cylinder. The relays 281 and 259 are now de v energized as pointed out above.

The removal of positive potential from the line conductor L2 produces a response at the transmitter by the polar relay 21 whereby the arma ture of this relay is disengaged from its contact M to deenergize the half-nut magnet 8|, thereby opening the contact 282 to prevent reapplication of positive potential to theconductor LI until the half-nut magnet 'is again energized and per mitting the carriage 38 to return to its original position. The normally closed carriage operated switch 212 is opened upon return of the carriage 34 to its starting point, which causes the relay 244 to be unlocked.

Facilities are provided at the recorder for making another recording of the same subject matter, if a second copy is desired. To do this, the

key switch 282 is momentarily operated to the right hand or Rerun position, thereby opening the contact 28I and unlocking the relay 2I8 and at the same time extinguishing the light 281. The release of relay 2I8 reconnects. positive potential through its break contact 2I6 to the line conductor L2.

At the transmitter the polar relay 21 is again operated to its contact M, and the transmitting mechanism is started upon the same cycle of operation as previously described. Briefly, the

relay 231 is still energized, since the sheet43 is in position on the cylinder 30, and the half-nut magnet 4| is energized to re-scan the copy and to restore positlve'potential to the line LI to set up phasing conditions as before.

When the attendant at the recorder has sufilcient copies, the key switch 282 is operated to the left or Accept position to close a normally open switch 293. circuit is thus completed from the bus bar A through the make contact 286 of the relay 2I8, the switch contact 293, the winding of a relay 294, the closed switch contact 28I, the break contact 283 of relay 234, to theB bus bar. Relay 294 is operated. and locked through its make contact 296. Closure of make contact 298 of this relay'connects negative potential through magnet 4I -is energized, and positive signaling the break contact 299 of relay 259, through the make contact 30l of relay 2I8 and make contact 2I9 of relay I91 to the line conductor L2.

The presence of an attendant has been mentioned, but it will be understood that the recorder may operate without the presence of an attendant if the key 282 is left in itSfAccept position. If the recorder is to be unattended at all times, the key operated switches 28l and 293 may be permanently shunted. If this is done, the wiring is similar to that shown in the applicationof G. H. Ridings et al., Serial No. 445,690, referred to above.

At the transmitting station the negative potential connected to the line conductor L2 effectspolar relay 21.- Negative'potential is put to the line conductor LI via make contact 306 of the relay 241, which is energized by the contact S 'of the polar relay 21 when the relay 231 is released following removal of the message sheet 43 by the stripper blade m.

The negative potential on line LI causes the tongue of the polar relay 28 at the recorder to make contact with the contact S and .thereby energize the relay 234- via a break contact 301 of the relay 261. The relays 2I8 and- 294 are unlockedat the break contact 263 of the relay 284. X The light 281 is extinguished, and a positive potential is again placed on the conductor L2 at the break contact 2 I6 of relay 2I3..

A pole changing relay 394 is energized from the S contact ofthe ductor LI stays open until a later step in the is centered, and the relay 203 is released, but

positive signaling potential is maintained on the conductor L2, since the blank supply mechanism described above has had ample time to put a blank on the ledges I62 of the stationaryfingers I653. The operating circuit of the relay 26? is again prepared, and the transformer MI and the light I16 are maintained energized. 1

The tongue of the polar relay 2? at the transmitter connects the A bus bar at the contact M to the periodically operated switches 2M and 222. Upon closure of the switch222, the stepping magnet 224 of thestepping switch is energized via the break contact 240 of the relay 231 to the B bus bar, thereby stepping the switch arm 223 to the stud No. 2, following which when the earn 223 closes the switch 22I the message sheet re-' leasing magnet 58 marked No. 2 is energized. The second message sheet 43 is positioned on the cylinderby the teeth 42, and when this occurs the contacts of the switch 48 are closed to energize the relay 231. The operating circuit for the stepping magnet 224' is open, and the arm 223 remains on contact stud No. 2. The half-nut potential is applied to conductor LI, as before. The relay I8I is released, since all of the switches I18 are now open. The effect of this will be 28' goes to the contact M, and the relay 203 is' energized to prepare the phasing circuits, as

- before. The transmitter and recorders phase,

and the recording process proceeds.

Whenthe scanning carriage 34 at the transmitter has completed its scanning excursion, the

end-of-message switch 2' is closed to energize the relay 244, which operates and is locked in the'manner described above. This removes the signaling potential from line conductor LI.

At the recorder the tongue of the polar relay 28 centers, and the relay 203 is deenergized. The i relay 261 is energized, which causes the stripping finger I42 to remove the recorded blank from the cylinder II9, whereupon the relay 259 is deenergized. The relays 261 and 259 are both energized before the recording blank, I38 is removed from the cylinder so that the relay 2! 8 is pulled up and locked to remove positive potential from the conductor L2. tion, the relays 231 and 259 are both 'deenergized.

vAt the transmitter the half-nut magnet 4! is deenergized, and when the carriage returns the normally closed switch 212 is opened to unlock the relay 2%.

I Atthe recorder the key 282 may be moved to the-accept position to close the contacts of the switch 293, which will result in energization of therelay 294. When this occurs, the negative source. of signaling potential will be connected to the line L2. i Y b At the transmitter the peel magnet E03 and the pole changing relay 309 are energized. The message sheet 43 is removed from the cylinder 30.

The tongue of thepolar relay, 21 at the trans- I I 7 mitter leaves the contact S so that the relays 241 and 304 are released to take the.negativesignal-.

which results in jdeenergization of the relay 231,

and the relay 241 is now energized, and negative potential is connected to conductor LI from a make contact 309 of the relay 30d and the make contact 306 of the relay 241. Since the lovers 5? tripped, and the relay IN is deenergized, when After the blank removal opera- -gized, and its make contact 310 connects the bus bar A to a return magnet 3H of the stepping switch III by way of the break contatc 308 on the relay 231, which releases the ratchet holding pawl 3l2 and permits the arm 223 to snap back to the of! stud marked 0. The operation of the relay l-86 unlocks the relay I82, which disconnects the motors and scanning light of the transmitter from the energy supply source, thereby shutting down the transmitter.

At the recorder, since the carrier is no longer being received, the relay I93 and, therefore, the relay I91 are bothdeenergized. The entire system is now restored to its idle condition.

In the complete operation of the system de scribed above it is assumed that only two message sheets have been prepared for transmission. However, as stated, the system is maintained in operation when additional message sheets are inserted in idle chutes H of the chute assembly Hi. If, while the transmitter I is scanning a message sheet taken from one of the chutes, another sheet is put inany one of the empty chutes, the system is arranged so that this newly added message sheet will be projected onto the cylinder and scanned in its proper turn. The switch I18 on the reloaded chute, for example, No. 1, is closed and, following removal of the message sheet which was drawn from the chute 'No. 2, or any other loaded chute, the bus bar A is connected to the periodically operated switch-222 which operates the stepping magnet 224, thereby placing the arm 223 on the stud No. 3. The periodically operated switch 22l then energizes the release magnet 58 marked No; 3, and as no copy is in the third chute I! the relay 231 is not energized through the message sheet operated switch 48. The cam operated switch 222 steps the switch arm 226 to the off stud No. 4. The cam operated switch 22] connects the return magnet 3 to the A bus bar at the contact M of the polar relay 21, and the arm snaps back to the off stud 0. The relay 239 is also connected in parallel with the return magnet 3 to prolong the pulse from the return stud No. 4, which is interruptedalmost unsupported flexible sheets, and means automatically to supply sheets one at a time from said sheet receiving means to said cylinder whereby i feeding relationship to said sheet supporting means and means for automatically supplying a message sheet from each of said chutes in succession to said sheet supporting means.

4. A facsimile telegraph transmitting apparatus comprising a message sheet scanning mechanism including a message sheet support, means for receiving a plurality of separate message sheets, sequencing means operable automatically to supply sheets in succession from said receiving means to said support, means for scanning each sheet in succession, means for removing each sheet from said support following said scanning and means operable on removal of each sheet from said support for operating said sequencing means to supply the succeeding sheet to said support.

5. A facsimile telegraph transmitting apparatus comprising a message sheet scanning mechanism including a copyholder, a plurality of sheet receiving means each disposed in fixed predetermined relationship to said copyholder for supplying a message sheet thereto in operative relation to said scanning mechanism, means for feeding a message sheet from each of said first means in succession, means for scanning each sheet in succession, andmeans for removing each sheet from said copyholder following said scanning and.

preceding the supplying thereto. J

6. A facsimile telegraph machine comprising a of the succeeding sheet scanning mechanism, a message sheet supporting immediately upon energization of the return magnet 3| l. The cam operated switch 222 steps the switch arm 22-6 to the No. 1 stud, and the release magnet 58 marked No. 1 is operated, followin which the transmitter l0 and the recorder I 4 operate together and ultimately shut down in the manner explained above.

The nature of the invention may be ascertained from the foregoing complete description of an illustrative embodiment thereof. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a facsimile telegraph system, scanning mechanism including means for supporting a sheet in scanning relationship to said scanning mechanism, a plurality of sheet receiving means each adapted to support a sheet in non-scanning relationship to said scanning mechanism, means for automatically feeding sheets one at a time from each of said sheet receiving means to said first-mentioned means and mechanism including contact -means individual to each of said sheet receiving means for controlling said feeding means. I

2. In a facsimile telegraph system, scanning mechanism having a rotatable cylinder to receive a flexible sheet to be scanned, means arranged circumferentially on said cylinder adapted to engage and retain a sheet on said cylinder during rotation, means to receive a plurality of separated means incorporated in said scanning mechanism,

contact means to guide a message sheet to said support, and means associated with said last named means for rendering said scanning mechanism operative to scan a message sheet.

7. A facsimile telegraph machine comprising a scanning mechanism having a copyholder, means for receiving and storing a message sheet, means for feeding a message sheet from said first means to said copyholder, and presettable means associated with said receiving and storage means for controlling the feeding of said sheet to said copyholder and for causing movement of said copyholder to scan a message sheet thereon.

8 In a facsimile machine, a rotatable cylinder to receive a flexible sheet to be scanned, means arranged circumferentially on said cylinder adapted to engage and retain a sheet in fixed position on said cylinder during successive revolutions of said cylinder, a plurality offeed chutes each for receiving and retaining a flexible sheet, each of said chutes ending adjacent to said cylin der, and means for releasing said sheets one at a time from the ends of said chutes adjacent to said cylinder whereby said circumferentially arranged means will engage said sheets.

' 9. In a facsimile machine, a scanner having a movable member, said member receiving a flexible sheet to be scanned, means associated with said member adapted to engage and retain a sheet 'in fixed position on said member during movementthereof, a plurality of feed chutes each for receiving a flexible sheet, each of said chutes,

of said chutes adiaoent'to said member whereby said sheet engaging means of said member will engage a sheet released from said chute.

10. In a facsimile machine, a movable copyholder to receive a flexible sheet in flxed position thereon to be scanned, a feed chute to supply a sheet tosaid-copyholder, said chute comprising movable means to block said chute against the insertion'of a sheet therein, and means, operable means operable upon movement of said movable means to unblocking position for causing operative movement of said cylinder, and means for releasing said sheet fromsaid chute whereby said circumferentlally arranged means will engage saidsheet.

12. A facsimile transmitter comprising, a movable copyholder to receive a flexible sheet to be scanned, a feed chute to supply a sheet to said ata:

of said sheet insertion preventing mean to unblocking position, and means to retain a sheet in said chutasaid last-named means being operable to release said sheet and being controlled by an operative function of said transmitter.

13. In a facsimile machine, a movable copyholder to receive a flexible sheet in fixed position thereon to be scanned, a plurality of chutes to supply sheets to said copyholder each adapted to receive a message sheet, means on each chute independent of said copyholder for releasing a sheet contained therein whereby to deliver the sheet to said movable copyholder, and means for operat- 1118 said sheet releasing means "in a predetermined order following a scanning operation by said'copyholder.

14. In a facsimile machine, a movable copyholder to receive a, flexible sheet to be scanned, means for engasins a sheet in position on said collvholder to remove the sheet therefrom after ascanning' operation, a feed chute to supply a sheet to said copyholder, said chute comprising. movable means for blocking said chute against the insertion of a message sheet therein, means for causing said movable copyholder to be operative upon movement of said sheet insertion preventing means to unblocking position, and means to retain a sheet in said chute, said last-named means being operable to release said sheet folcopyholder, said chute comprising movable means 39 lowing operation of said sheet removing means.

for blocking the chute against the insertion of a sheet therein, means for causing said movable copyholderto become operative upon movement RALEIGH .1. wrsa. GARVICE n. mamas. 

